Environmental factors range from your actual climate to your home’s orientation. You’d actually be surprised just how important the latter is! Your home’s orientation is extremely important because solar panels are by far the most efficient when in direct sunlight. Because we live in the northern hemisphere, homes with a lot of south facing roof space benefit the most from their solar installations. Homeowners with more east and west roof coverage will benefit the most in the morning or afternoon sun instead of the peak hours of the day. While still suitable for solar installations, it just isn’t as efficient as south facing installations.
Another important environmental factor is shade. Any homeowner considering solar panels should either remove shade trees completely, or at least keep the branches trimmed back. Even if your roof is shaded for only a few hours a day, that’s a few hours less of prime energy production. Your climate is also a factor in solar efficiency. Homeowners in warm climates make the most out of solar power because during the summer, when you’re using the most energy (air conditioner), you’re also generating the most energy.